China says India partner, not rival, after Modi-Xi meeting

The meeting between Xi and Modi took place during the 18th BRICS Summit in the Indian capital, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between the two Asian powers. China's official statement following the talks emphasized that India and China should be viewed as partners rather than competitors in their bilateral relationship.

The two nations have faced increased tensions in recent years, particularly along their contested border in the Himalayas. Saturday's summit provided an opportunity for high-level dialogue aimed at managing bilateral relations and identifying areas of mutual cooperation.

During the discussions, both leaders expressed their desire to place India-China relations within a strategic and long-term framework, signaling intent to move beyond contentious issues toward broader cooperation. The talks reflected efforts by both governments to maintain diplomatic channels despite underlying differences.

The bilateral meeting underscores the importance both nations place on engagement within multilateral forums such as BRICS, which also includes Brazil, Russia, and South Africa. As major economies in the Global South, India and China's relationship carries significant implications for regional stability and international affairs.